Should We Change the Name of Our Organization?

In this article AleX Dean, director of the Transgender Program, suggests that this could be the right time to change the name of our organization: “Would it better to have a name that was inclusive of transgender, bisexual, and intersex persons? Perhaps a name that encompasses all, but specifies none --such as Affirmation for Mormons-- would be more appropriate.”

Please read AleX’s article

"Let’s talk about... being 17, Mormon... and gay."

Click the title to listen to the show.

From the source:

"After graduation, my friend Tommy went to Brigham Young University. He was 17. A few months later, he called his family and told them that he needed to come home to tell them “something important.” This was three years ago and I have invited Tommy to come talk with me and share more of his story. A story of authenticity. This was a heck of a good show."

alphabet soup

Micah Bisson, and Robert Moore and I attended an advanced communications course early this week, put on by GLAAD. Also attending were reps from:
Lutherans Concerned
Reconciling Ministries Network
Association of Welcoming and Affirming Baptists
Integrity USA
Nehirim GLBT Jewish Culture & Spiritualty
Unitarian Universalist UN Office
Presbyterian Welcome.
Everyone was absolutely amazing to meet and learn from. We are better prepared for not only how to interact with the media, but with our membership, the Church, and the various other groups working with LGBT equality/discrimination.

Our UU-UN colleagues kept using this confusing word: So-Gee. The rest of us had to stop them a few times to figure out what they were talking about. Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity. SOGI. It's what they say at the UN, instead of LGBT. It has a few advantages, not the least of which is that it can be pronounced like a word. Expect us to use the term more in the future. Also use it yourselves. Like Martha says, it's a good thing.

(Posted by George Cole)

a little levity

Because in light of Kill-the-Gays in Uganda, and zero progress on DADT and DOMA, we need a good laugh. Even if it's something of an oldie.


'Gays Too Precious To Risk In Combat,' Says General

Young Adults & Exective Committee

This weekend Young Adults will hold a Cornerstone Conference in San Francisco; Affirmation's Executive Committee with meet concurrently. In the interests of creating a safe space, Cornerstone attendance is limited to persons aged 18-30. While registration is offically closed, contact YA Director Robert Moore. The Executive Committee meeting is open to all, but does have a very full agenda and is only as exciting as any three-day business meeting.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Federal Domestic Partner Benefits

The Domestic Partnership Benefits and Obligations Act of 2009 (good summary here) is about to get a hearing in the House of Representatives. The bill would extent full benefits to federal employees and the domestic partners.

Please contact your Senators and Representative and tell them how you want them to vote on this issue.

Send an Affirmation member to Antarctica!

DC Chapter member Andrew Evans is competing to be the official blogger for a Quark Expeditions trip in February 2010. He'll need thousands of votes, and polling closes on 30 September. Please help him out!

K-I-S-S-I-N-G

On Thursday 9 July, a gay couple was arrested for kissing in the plaza by the reflecting pool east of the Salt Lake Temple. On the following Sunday, around 100 people held a kiss-in around Temple Square. Among the participants was 2009 Conference Director David Nielson.

Brief recap: LDS Church security told the arrestees that public displays of affection are not allowed on Temple Square and adjacent Church property. Couples married in the Salt Lake Temple normally have photographs taken on the front steps of the temple and around the reflecting pool, so a question arises about how the no public displays of affection policy is fairly enforced.

Another kiss-in is scheduled for this Sunday, 19 July between 12-12:30 pm.

The Los Angeles Conference

What did you think of the Los Angeles Conference? What were, in your opinion, some of the highlights? Is there anything you would have done different?

Affirmation's Press Conference

On August 12, Affirmation held a press conference that received wide media attention. Do you think LDS leaders listen when we speak to them through the media?

California & Marriage Equality

How can we help California voters understand that marriage equality will benefit gay and straight people alike?